Unfortunately, IHS has not been transparent and they have not been forthcoming about these issues.

I'd much rather see Avera, Sanford, Rapid City Regional Health in these hospitals than AB Staffing solutions.

I believe that IHS should get out of the hospital business. I think they're terrible at it. I don't think they know what they're doing.

I'll just close with this, that I also understand that IHS relies on a Norwegian accrediting body, DNV GL, to maintain your accreditation at some of these hospitals throughout the region...

I think my legislation deals in changing the contracting process, which I think needs to happen.

I wanted to acknowledge Congresswoman Noem for alleviation of the employer mandate from the tribes.

I want everyone to know, and I want you to know that we're obviously aware that there are people scared of retaliation.

The mismanagement of fiscal stability that is lacking in the area and the agency have just completely eliminated my confidence in the agency.

The medical care that we receive at IHS in the Great Plains region is like getting health care in a third-world country.

IHS has not been forthcoming about changes.

the chronic failures of the IHS, failures that, frankly, are just unacceptable

It seems like every time we have an emergency that comes up and there’s an obvious layout program, we find out more things are a problem and it brings in the public attention, but what we end up doing is we provided a band-aid.

We're talking about improving accountability at IHS.

CMS's findings have, once again, provided a public window in these facilities to view the substandard care

leadership starts at the top, and if IHS leaders are a barrier to delivering quality care, then they should look for another job

I most certainly appreciate you taking the time to hold today's field hearing in South Dakota where our tribal members are all too familiar with the failures of the Indian Health Service.

I'd also like to thank Senator Thune and Congresswoman Kristi Noem for their tireless work to address the problems plaguing IHS.

There's got to be a way in which we can create a mechanism formalized so that consultation can take place.